usvi-on-line
Rental Car Companies - HELP!!
Rental Car Companies - HELP!!
Good Evening:
Ok, I know this has been asked a million times but here it comes again... Should I rent a car from company at the airport, just out of the airport(Thrifty) or private company. I've been checking into private company prices and they are much higher than the big ones and I'm wondering is that because the service is so much better?
Also, what size car can I get away with? Will a compact do the job or do I need to get something a little bigger (just two of us and we can't do a Jeep).
Thanks in advance!
Ok, I know this has been asked a million times but here it comes again... Should I rent a car from company at the airport, just out of the airport(Thrifty) or private company. I've been checking into private company prices and they are much higher than the big ones and I'm wondering is that because the service is so much better?
Also, what size car can I get away with? Will a compact do the job or do I need to get something a little bigger (just two of us and we can't do a Jeep).
Thanks in advance!
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OK, [yes this will make 1 million and 1]. Are you going to STJ or staying on STT?
If you are going over to STJ, are you prepared to drive on the left all the way across STT to the car barge after traveling all day from who knows where?
On STJ a 4wd is highly recommended, and with some villas, mandatory.
If you rent on STT, make sure that the agency permits you to take the car to STJ. Also, be aware that if you have mechanical problems, or an accident, you will probably be without service for at least a day, if you rent from STT.
My advice for a newbee is to rent on STJ the first time.
If you are going over to STJ, are you prepared to drive on the left all the way across STT to the car barge after traveling all day from who knows where?
On STJ a 4wd is highly recommended, and with some villas, mandatory.
If you rent on STT, make sure that the agency permits you to take the car to STJ. Also, be aware that if you have mechanical problems, or an accident, you will probably be without service for at least a day, if you rent from STT.
My advice for a newbee is to rent on STJ the first time.
When you find yourself in a hole.... quit digging.
I, personally, hope to make it through my entire life without EVER driving on STT. Drivers there are CRAZY. For this reason, I always rent our car on STJ. (Plus, for the other reasons mentioned - don't want to worry about a break-down).
However, my mom (not normally known for her courage or driving skill) rented on STT (because they were staying on STT) and EVEN WENT TO STJ ON THE CAR FERRY. Something that would make me shake and tremble in fear.
I am, however, the one who almost ALWAYS drives on STJ and doesn't find the roads the least bit scary (well except maybe that one time in the rain on centerline with the dump truck coming at me). My mom however almost didn't make it to Skinny Legs because the switchbacks scared her to death. They turned back and went to the beach and then said, what the hell let's try it again. 2nd time was a charm.
It just goes to show you perspectives are like ... well you know the rest.
However, my mom (not normally known for her courage or driving skill) rented on STT (because they were staying on STT) and EVEN WENT TO STJ ON THE CAR FERRY. Something that would make me shake and tremble in fear.
I am, however, the one who almost ALWAYS drives on STJ and doesn't find the roads the least bit scary (well except maybe that one time in the rain on centerline with the dump truck coming at me). My mom however almost didn't make it to Skinny Legs because the switchbacks scared her to death. They turned back and went to the beach and then said, what the hell let's try it again. 2nd time was a charm.
It just goes to show you perspectives are like ... well you know the rest.
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Robin in NC
- Posts: 332
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 7:19 pm
- Location: Kernersville, NC
My experience
Dartchic,
We rented from Thrify on STT last June and took our Jeep over to STJ. We had a smooth experience, and I'm going to do it again, because I think it makes the most sense. Here's why (by the way, Bob and Anita have done a thorough explanation of what I'm going to outline here, if you'll PM me, I'll send it to you).
1. You don't have to touch your luggage from the time you get the car till you get to your villa, no ferry transfers, car transfers, etc.
2. You have use of your car the last day you're there - we used it to do a little exploring of STT before leaving.
3. The cost of renting is lower on STT. No taxis, either.
Now, there are disadvantages. Some have already been mentioned, and the most daunting is the possibility of a breakdown that you're responsible for. No question, this is a factor you have to weigh seriously. Also, parking in Cruz Bay is a bear, and your company will let you park in their lot. Whatever you do, get a 4WD. This is really a must. Raid your penny jar for the difference, but if it rains while you're on island, you'll be stuck without a 4WD.
Robin
We rented from Thrify on STT last June and took our Jeep over to STJ. We had a smooth experience, and I'm going to do it again, because I think it makes the most sense. Here's why (by the way, Bob and Anita have done a thorough explanation of what I'm going to outline here, if you'll PM me, I'll send it to you).
1. You don't have to touch your luggage from the time you get the car till you get to your villa, no ferry transfers, car transfers, etc.
2. You have use of your car the last day you're there - we used it to do a little exploring of STT before leaving.
3. The cost of renting is lower on STT. No taxis, either.
Now, there are disadvantages. Some have already been mentioned, and the most daunting is the possibility of a breakdown that you're responsible for. No question, this is a factor you have to weigh seriously. Also, parking in Cruz Bay is a bear, and your company will let you park in their lot. Whatever you do, get a 4WD. This is really a must. Raid your penny jar for the difference, but if it rains while you're on island, you'll be stuck without a 4WD.
Robin